Nursery World - Early education for disadvantaged children

What's the key to giving children from all backgrounds quality
education? Ludovica Gambaro and Kitty Stewart share their conclusions
following an examination of provision in different countries.

Early education and care has become a central policy area in the UK. In the run up to next year's general election, Labour is promising to extend the free entitlement to 25 hours a week, while the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats last week announced plans for a new tax-free childcare allowance (see page 5), alongside the introduction of an Early Years Pupil Premium.

Services for young children occupy a central position in the political debate of other countries too. These services are seen as important both because of their role in helping people balance work and family life, and because of a growing understanding that early childhood is a key developmental stage. Research evidence shows that early years provision can have a lasting impact. Furthermore, as the benefits are greatest for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, services have the potential to narrow gaps and level the playing field as children enter primary school.

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